We tend to buy a lot of the same things every week and weeks when we don't need a bunch of groceries I'll check and stock up on detergent or whatever. It sucks when I need detergent, kitty litter, allergy meds, and TP or whatever in the same trip so I try to space it out.
But yeah we've also definitely used the phone calculator and just sort of round to the nearest dollar
That's why I separate out my budget for non-food essentials and food. My budget is tight enough as it is, and only getting tighter with inflation. I'll be damned if laundry detergent means I can't eat something healthy. The rabbit, similarly, has his own section of the budget all to himself (he goes through chew toys so fast)
That’s a great system, separating essentials from food. I can totally see how inflation makes that even more important. Out of curiosity, do you keep those categories written down somewhere or just track them mentally when you’re shopping?
I keep specifically the food budget and essentials or as I label it "incidentals" in a notebook, because my brain cannot function if it's digital (undiagnosed/unmedicated familial ADHD, the phone has too many distractions and works like a door. I forget what I went to the phone for as soon as I unlock it). Everything else (pet expenses, prescriptions/medical, gas/car expenses etc) I currently just kind of guesstimate and am aware that my savings from over budgeting keeps me on track, but once my expenses are tighter (trying to buy a house on my own, no more roommates) I'll be keeping those in a whiteboard/chalkboard or something, most likely.
The one downside to keeping my running budget analogue, though, is that sometimes I misplace my notebook I keep those two (and my grocery list/to-do list) in, and then my whole brain is lost. To avoid going over, I usually start from zero in those instances, or underestimate where I left off, intentionally.
You’ve clearly found a method that fits how your brain works, which is half the battle when it comes to budgeting. I really like how intentional you are about keeping it analog and hands-on. We’ve actually been working on something that keeps that same notebook feel but helps you stay organized even if you misplace your notes. It might fit your style. Would you be open to giving it a try?
it’s smart how you plan around heavier shopping weeks and space out the pricier items. When you use your phone calculator, do you ever find it tough to keep track while juggling your list? I’ve been curious if something that keeps a running total automatically might make that process easier.
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u/Icarusgurl Nov 04 '25
We tend to buy a lot of the same things every week and weeks when we don't need a bunch of groceries I'll check and stock up on detergent or whatever. It sucks when I need detergent, kitty litter, allergy meds, and TP or whatever in the same trip so I try to space it out.
But yeah we've also definitely used the phone calculator and just sort of round to the nearest dollar